Society

Germany

Women Empowerment in the Islamic World

The German Foreign Ministry invited delegations from 20 Muslim countries to a conference dealing with women empowerment in the Islamic world. Hardy Graupner reports from Berlin
Germany

Bringing Mosques Out in the Open

Most Muslims in Germany pray in mosques that are hidden from view in old factory buildings and basements. The Muslim community would like that to change, but projects to build traditional mosques are often controversial. By Deanne Corbett
Germany

The Integration of Death

Integration for Germany's growing Muslim population does not stop at death's door as undertakers and city officials are learning. Sabina Casagrande visited a cemetery where all graves face Mecca.
Germany/Iraq

Torture Photos Traumatize Refugees

Officials at German centers for the treatment of torture victims say the graphic photographs of Iraqi prisoner abuse have triggered painful memories among their patients, most of them asylum-seekers. By Sonia Phalnikar
Malaysia

"Progressive Style of Islam is Practical"

This year's general election has highlighted Malaysia's acceptance of the ruling party's so-called "progressive" style of Islam. The election went ahead without incident, showing that the country's religious mix of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism can be stomached. Ben Fajzullin reports from Langkawi
Germany

When Faith is More Important than School

German schools are increasingly grappling with cases of Muslim girls pushing for exemption from co-ed swimming and sports on religious grounds, sorely testing the country's ability to integrate its Muslim population.
Interview

Anti-Semitism in the EU

According to a study commissioned by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC), anti-Semitic manifestations increased in five European countries in the years 2002 and 2003. Igal Avidan talks with EUMC director Beate Winkler about the study’s findings and recommendations.
Media

Controlling the Power of the Picture

Violent images from conflict regions such as Iraq pose a dilemma for news organizations: Should they show graphic footage or edit reports for good taste? Is it a case of cultural differences or are other agendas at work?
Erasmus Prize 2004

Important Figures from the Islamic World Awarded

This year's Erasmus Prize, which is endowed with € 150,000, goes to Sadik Al-Azm, Fatema Mernissi and Abdulkarim Soroush. Martina Sabra spoke to laureate Al-Azm, who currently teaches in Antwerp, Belgium.
Germany

The Struggle against Forced Marriage

Each year, according to UN studies, more than one million people are forced into marriage – and for many years now, Berlin-based lawyer Seyran Ates has been fighting to increase the German public's awareness of the issue. Sigrid Dethloff reports.
Polygamy

The Second Wife Is Also Allowed to Stay

Muslim second wives often fall through the cracks in the legal system. But now a court in Germany has granted an Iraqi second wife a residence permit – for humanitarian reasons. By Cosima Schmitt
Islam in South Africa

Coming out of the Shadows

Having been part of South African culture since the beginning of the 18th century, Muslims are increasingly engaging in public life since the end of the Apartheid regime in 1994. Almuth Schellpeper reports from Bo-Kaap, the Muslim quarter of Cape Town.